What does this mean? Is it just a reference on how to make that stitch?

Thats exactly what it is, it's letting you know ahead of time what the pattern is, so that in the body of the pattern it might say (k2, do pattern for 60 sts)
you would then refer back to the pattern stitch at the beginning.
I hope I explained that right

Edited to add: On a further note, on especially long patterns I wish they would put the st pattern throughout a few times so I don't have to flip back and forth! Sooo, I usually make a copy or write it on a post it note and stick it everywhere I need it.

Glad I could be of assistance, I know all about the yarn thing
I just downsized my yarn collection because I had more yarn in my closet than clothes. lol. And then there was some that I just looked at and thought what was I thinking when I bought this stuff...